Nikki Miller files to run for District 20 seat in 2026

Nikki Miller hopes to be the Republican candidate in the upcoming special election for District 20 in the Delaware House, but in the meantime, she’s officially filed her paperwork to be a candidate when the seat is back up for election in 2026. 

Miller, a Milton resident, narrowly lost to Stell Parker Selby in the 2024 election. Parker Selby resigned from the seat June 24, after a medical emergency in December precluded her from participating in this year’s legislative session, which ends Monday, June 30. 

“As a mother, educator, administrator and public servant, I’ve spent my career bringing people together to solve problems, not playing political games,” said Miller in an announcement June 25. “The 20th District deserves a representative who listens, collaborates and acts with integrity.”

Miller said her core priorities are working together for bipartisan solutions, improving quality of life for all generations, empowering educators and children, expanding access to health services, protecting natural heritage and investing in infrastructure to complement smart development. 

“Our roads, schools and healthcare systems are stretched thin. We need thoughtful investment that supports growth without sacrificing our way of life,” Miller said. “This campaign isn’t about left or right; it’s about doing what’s right for the people of Sussex County.”

Miller is a Delaware native who graduated from Lake Forest High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Delaware State University in 2004, followed by a master's in applied technology with a certification in building administration. She holds a doctorate of education in district leadership from Wilmington University.

Miller began her career in the classroom as a social studies teacher and instructional coach. She was then named assistant principal and soon became principal at Cape Henlopen High School, where she served in that role from 2015 to 2022. Today, Miller is the supervisor of instruction for the Seaford School District, overseeing curriculum and instruction across six schools. 

Special election

Candidates for the District 20 special election will be determined after House Speaker Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown issues a writ of election within 10 days of Parker Selby’s June 24 resignation. The writ sets the time frame for the special election, which must take place between 30 and 35 days from when the writ is issued. 

Miller said she’s submitted her resume to the Sussex County GOP Committee for consideration. She said the party will choose the candidate, because there isn’t enough time to hold a primary election.

The Democratic Party has a similar procedure for choosing its candidate. In anticipation of multiple people seeking the seat, the Sussex County Democratic Committee will host a candidates forum from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 3, for Democrats seeking election to the District 20 seat. The program will take place at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. The eventual Democratic nominee will be selected by members of the 20th RD Democratic Committee immediately after the forum.

The 20th District includes Lewes, Milton, Nassau, Pinetown, Belltown, and parts of Harbeson and Georgetown.